Australia suffered a major blow as left-handed middle order batsman Travis Head fractured his left hand during the fourth ODI against South Africa and his participation at next months ODI World Cup is uncertain.Travis Head was struck on the left glove by a short delivery from South African pacer Gerald Coetzee in the fourth ODI. After that, he faced three deliveries but looked in discomfort and was forced to retire hurt at Centurion on Friday.Travis Head was struck on the left glove by a short delivery from Gerald Coetzee (Image Source – Twitter)Australian head coach Andrew McDonald confided, “Its a confirmed fracture,”, in the post-match conference. “As to the nature of what sort of time frame that lends itself to, that will be assessed tomorrow”.Australia face a major setback with the World Cup just weeks away 👀#CWC23 | Details 👇https://t.co/XxCqmoJd0M— ICC (@ICC) September 16, 2023McDonald said, “Im not a medical person, but I think its a bit higher up than the finger itself, its in a joint (in the hand) somewhere. Fingers crossed with the World Cup fast approaching”.Travis Head doubtful for the 2023 World Cup due to hand fracture. Smith, Cummins, Starc, Maxwell, Green and now Head – the list keeps getting bigger for Australia! pic.twitter.com/pMhhiQqNB9— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 16, 2023Travis Head is part of Australias 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup, which will be held in India. In his absence, it is highly expected that Mitchell Marsh could be promoted to open the inning with David Warner, as he performed exceptionally well at the top of the order in the series against India. Australia will take on India on October 8 in the opening match of the tournament in Chennai.However, there is no official word from Cricket Australia (CA) regarding the replacement of the left-handed batter, but as per the reports, Australian selectors might consider the in-form batter Marnus Labuschagne to add in the squad.The final date to make changes in the squad is September 28, after which any changes will require approval from International Cricket Council (ICC) officials.
